Cheap Universe

V For Volume's song 'Cheap Universe' is a powerful anthem of rebellion and non-conformity. The lyrics express a deep frustration with societal expectations and the pressure to fit into predefined roles. The opening lines, 'I always dreamed of being practical...logical,' suggest a conflict between the singer's true desires and the practical, logical path that society expects her to follow. The repeated demands for her to be 'married,' 'quiet,' and 'buried' symbolize the oppressive nature of these expectations, leading to a 'riot' as a form of resistance.

The chorus, with its repeated phrase 'Cheap Universe,' serves as a critique of a world that values conformity over individuality. The line 'This world is made for those who don't feel at all' highlights the emotional numbness that comes with adhering to societal norms. The singer's defiant stance is further emphasized by the lines 'Go to hell or let me go to hell alone,' which reject the idea of collective suffering and insist on personal autonomy.

The song also touches on themes of guilt and redemption, as seen in the lines 'You wanted my taxes, you wanted my sins, you wanted my prayers so you got me cleaned.' This suggests a transactional relationship with society, where personal freedom is sacrificed for acceptance and 'cleanliness.' Ultimately, 'Cheap Universe' is a call to embrace one's true self, even if it means facing the consequences alone. The repeated assertion that 'This is a cheap universe' underscores the singer's disillusionment with a world that fails to appreciate individuality and emotional depth.